 The memorandum of understanding calls for the Springfield-area
chapter of the Order of the Purple Heart to raise money for the
memorial. It will stand alongside other Illinois war memorials at
Oak Ridge Cemetery, the site of Abraham Lincoln's tomb.The
Historic Preservation Agency will then take charge of care and
maintenance for the memorial.
"It's a privilege to be part of this agreement. The men and women
who have received the Purple Heart deserve our deepest gratitude for
the sacrifices they made," said IHPA Director Amy Martin.
John Lazell, commander of Chapter 159 of the Military Order of
the Purple Heart, said the memorial "reaches across time to all the
wars and all the conflicts" where Americans served.
"It is our hope that people of all ages will come to view this
monument as a lasting tribute to those who have served our country
in war and were wounded in that service," Lazell said. "The Purple
Heart medal is one of the most recognized and respected medals
awarded to those who have served in the United States armed forces.
They should never be forgotten."
The Order of the Purple Heart will be able to maintain a vigil or
post a guard at the memorial on special occasions.
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Lazell said his group expects to spend from one to two years
raising money for the simple stone monument. It will carry the
inscription "All Gave Some, Some Gave All."
Oak Ridge Cemetery already includes memorials to those who served
in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. It also holds
the Lincoln Tomb Historic Site.
The Purple Heart traces its origin back to an order issued by
George Washington to recognize outstanding services by soldiers in
his army. The modern version dates to World War I and by some
estimates has been awarded to nearly 2 million people.
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Online: Military Order of the Purple Heart:
http://www.purpleheart.org/
[Text from file received from
the Illinois Historic
Preservation Agency]
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